The Special Years : 50 And Beyond: The Time Of Your Life

' I realize that I have become what I've always wanted to be--a whole person .'

"What is most characteristic of people in my age group is their individuality. The older we become, the more like ourselves we become; we're not so tied to what others think. As I look back, I realize that I have become what I've always wanted to be--a whole person. I continue to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally. I have a loving family, and I look forward to spending more time with my husband, children and friends, and less time with a full-time commitment at

work. Work and study will always be an important part of my life. Whatever I do will relate to people; my concerns will be with notions that have value--not phony morality but the morality of doing for others, choosing life over death, peace over war, the excitement of discovery over sitting back and letting the world go by. I feel there are challenges still ahead that I will meet. At best, we're always reaching and discovering more of ourselves and more of what is around us."

--Ruth Weg, 68, professor of gerontology, USC FOR MORE PERSONAL OUTLOOKS BY PEOPLE BEYOND 50, PLEASE SEE PAGE 4